www.qaihc.com.auQueensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council

Social and Emotional Wellbeing Workforce Development Support Unit

Welcome to the February edition of SEWB news! In an effort to maintain effective communication we hope you find this edition user-friendly and informative and we look forward to your feedback for future editions. Contact the team at sewb@qaihc.com.au

The WDSU recognises that self-determination is central to the provision of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, education and training and utilises a co-design approach when engaging and planning activities with communities.

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ISSUE 3 | FEBRUARY 21

QAIHC’s Social Emotional and Wellbeing (SEWB) Workforce Support Development Unit (WSDU) provide funding to National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) funded staff to undertake specified accredited training. In 2020, many of the NIAA Queensland workforce who committed themselves to undertaking study, successfully graduated.

Gallang Education and Training were instrumental in providing culturally appropriate accredited training in a Certificate IV in Mental Health, Diploma in Counselling and the Diploma in Leadership and Management.

QAIHC SEWB would also like to thank the individual organisations of all the graduates in supporting the students on their individual learning journey, increasing the numbers of qualified individuals working in the SEWB and AOD sector in QLD.

Certificate IV in Mental Health graduates were:

Kimberley Gibson, Gungarde Aboriginal Corporation

Rosalyn Doyle, Gumbi Gumbi Donna Gowa, Gumbi Gumbi

Certificate IV in AOD—Upskilled:

Steven Colbran – ATSICHS Mackay

Diploma in Leadership and Management graduates:

Owen Richardson, Gidgee Healing

Diploma in Counselling graduates:

Dean Hegarty, Wuchopperen Health

Jayden Kynuna, Gindaja

Joshua Thompson, Link up Cairns

Tamara Yeatman, Gindaja

Raeleigh Deem, CACH

Thalep Ahmat, Helem Yumba

Nathan Anderson, Helem Yumba

Vernal Anderson, Helem Yumba

Brooke Edwards, Helem Yumba Carolyn Fyfe, Apunipima Health Council

Gregory Mitchell, Helem Yumba Sandra Mitchell, Helem Yumba Cecilie Schuler, Helem Yumba Vivienne Schwartz, Gumbi Gumbi Marilyn Thomas, Helem Yumba Peta Steedman, Helem Yumba Richard Sedan, Apunipima Health Council

Edwina Smith, Gidgee Healing

Some students graduated early in 2020 and were unable to graduate due to COVID-19.

Graduations for 2020

Rockhampton Cohort, Graduation Ceremony December 2020

The QAIHC SEWB Workforce Support Development Unit proudly congratulates all the 2020 graduates

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profileWORKFORCE

Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council 2

Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) has adopted a user-choice option for the provision of training, and anticipates this option will result in improved completion rates for the workforce who are seeking to obtain their qualifications.

If you have Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMC)/National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) staff that do not have their minimum qualifications – please contact SEWB WDSU Manager Samone Sallik to arrange to get this started.

Courses to choose are as follows:• Certificate IV in Mental Health• Certificate IV in Indigenous Mental Health• Certificate III in Addictions Management and

Community Development • Diploma in Leadership and Management• Diploma in Counselling• Certificate III in Community Services.

Funding is limited; we cannot process or consider training if staff, team leaders or Managers have not contacted QAIHC to advise what training is required.

Please note: funding is only available for course fees. Travel and accommodation costs are not covered however, you may be eligible for Abstudy to assist with these costs. The Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or Regional Coordinator can assist with your application, if necessary.

Genevieve Meldrum SEWB COUNSELLOR Wuchopperen Health, Cairns

My name is Genevieve Meldrum (Lewin). I was born in and grew up on Thursday Island. I have two sons, 13 grandchildren and five Great Grandchildren.

On my mother’s side—mother, Darnley Island “ERUB” and grandfather, Spanish-Filipino. On my father’s side—mother, Boigu Island and father, Dutch-Indonesian.

I was brought up learning and practicing mainly Torres Strait Islander cultural practices and Indonesian practices—especially with cooking.

In 2018 I graduated with a Diploma in Counselling; this has given me more opportunity to work better with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from a cultural and non-Indigenous perspective, from a western point of understanding.

I was recently sponsored by QAIHC SEWB to attend a one-week Narrative Therapy Workshop. This workshop gave me the knowledge, understanding and determination to learn further; with an option to do a Masters in Narrative Therapy.

I am seeking to broaden and expand my cultural knowledge to benefit our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

I have worked as a SEWB Social Emotional Wellbeing worker; also in the stolen generation area in Aboriginal and Islander Health Service for 15 years at Townsville Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health Service (TAIHS) and Wuchopperen Health Service Limited, Cairns. I am currently 66 years of age and my determination to excel with whatever, whenever is not only beneficial to myself but to my family, community, workplace, and holistic sectors in society.

My motto in life is:

“Age is not a barrier you can achieve if you try hard enough!”

TRAINING

REQUEST FOR FUNDED TRAINING PROCESS:

1. Forward your request for funded training to sewb@qaihc.com.au.

2. Ensure you have completed a current training needs analysis to assist the team in assessing your eligibility.

3. If the WDSU approves your request, you will receive confirmation via email

4. Your designated RTO will then contact you for enrolment into your course.

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The Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) State Gathering consisted of support workers, case workers, counsellors, managers, team leaders and administration staff to network, share ideas, and experience in Brisbane from 1–2 December.

The theme of the Gathering “Healing: Our Journey”, was designed to initiate self-care discussions and to discuss the unique methods that can be taken to look after yourself when working during the COVID-19 lockdown and into the future.

DAY ONE Participants heard from keynote speaker, Jade North, a two-time Olympian and winner of two A-League Championships, it is fair to say he is one of Australia’s most decorated football players, and the first Indigenous captain of the Socceroos. In 2016 he was also the recipient of the NAIDOC Sportsman of the Year.

Jade’s work helps disadvantaged groups and sees him advocating for better education and management of mental health. His presentation was spoken with passion and focused on leadership, instilling inspiration and mental health awareness.

Other presenters included:

Rosie Armstrong from Culturally Informed Practices Institute who delivered a workshop on how to deliver safe circle work with a cultural perspective

The National Indigenous Postvention Service Team from Thirilli, provided an insight and networking session on who they are and the work they conduct throughout Queensland communities

Jermane Herbohn, AOD Project Officer at the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) presenting the Breakthrough Our Way program

Rita Francis, AOD Project Officer from QAIHC presenting the Eyez on Ice resources

Mark Mitchell, Hearing Health Project Officer at QAIHC discussing Hearing Health

Marsat Ketchell delivering a presentation on Community Engagement in Thursday Island.

The workforce found the presentations and presenters very informing, with many individuals stating that this was a great opportunity to network and also learn more about QAIHC and the services available to the SEWB/AOD program areas within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation (ATSICCHO) and AOD Sector in Queensland.

DAY TWO Participants were able to choose between two workshops, being held concurrently:

Dadirri by We Al-li

Resilience and Self Care by Brian Dowd (the Walkabout Barber).

The Dadirri workshop provided the workforce with skills to establish a foundation for culturally safe practices and respectful healing environments. Participants were introduced to many key therapeutic approaches used by We Al-li including story mapping, sand-play, music, art therapy, movement and guided imagery.

Brian Dowd’s session was an interactive self-care and resilience workshop to provide those attending the skills to accept, understand, make positive choices and take ownership of their day to day personal and professional lives. This workshop gave the participants tools to utilise when they go back into the community to assist them in taking care of themselves and also others around them.

QAIHC SEWB Workforce Support Development Unit co-design all events in relation to the needs of the workforce and the current situations that have been occurring for the state of Queensland. Feedback to all events and future planning is drawn from the leaders within the workforce to ensure that it is beneficial for all that attend.

The SEWB and AOD State Gathering 2020

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“It was great to meet mob from around the state and build on contacts and networks, thanks to QAIHC for making this possible.”

“Awesome and such an incredible two days of professional development and learning healing techniques showed which were very experienced, deep and profound.”

“Was an amazing experience and very grateful to be a part of it.”

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The Dulwich Centre held a five-day intensive workshop on narrative therapy in Cairns on 9–13 November 2020.

Narrative Therapy Intensive Training, Cairns 2020

WORKFORCE

This workshop explored ways in which narrative practices can contribute to decolonising identity stories, linking stories between communities, and sharing practices of culture and healing.

This workshop was facilitated by Tileah Drahm-Butler, and designed with guidance from Aunty Barbara Wingard, who has been a key member of the Dulwich Centre Faculty for 20 years.

Tileah is a graduate of the Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work (University of Melbourne/Dulwich Centre). This intensive workshop introduced key narrative practices of externalising, re-authoring, outsider witness, documentation, and the Tree of Life; all through an Aboriginal lens. This workshop also acts as the necessary pre-requisite training to then apply for the 2021 Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work.

QAIHC Workforce Support Development Unit utilised this opportunity and sponsored five individuals to attend this intensive training.

Ashton Schrieber, Gindaja Community: Yarrabah The Narrative Therapy workshop was a big eye opener for me, it empowered and inspired me. It gave me the ability to feel culturally connected to the land, our home, and our people, it made us feel proud to be First Nation peoples of Australia. I not only gained extra experience, but I have the confidence that I need in my field of work.

Genevieve Meldrum, Wuchopperen Health Services Community: Edmonton CairnsThis workshop made me more aware on how I can engage better with my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients on a more culturally based communication level.

It was very culturally appropriate, with everyone identifying themselves from their experiences during their journey. I was so proud of the participants on how they crossed barriers to achieve their goals. The sharing of stories really helped develop links with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and acted as a healing process. I now spend more time with each of my clients so they can share their stories and discuss their journey with respect to their cultural and traditional practices.

Luicianne Warrack, Apunipima Health Council Community: HopevaleI felt very comfortable and safe with the group, and the facilitator was mindful and respectful when dealing with topics around intergenerational trauma, grief and loss and people sharing their own life experiences around case studies. The training for me, particularly around narrative practices, gave me value and strength as an Aboriginal woman and social worker to ensure my work with clients has a dialogue.

Aden Brim, Ngoonbi Community Services Indigenous Corporation Community: Kuranda I really enjoyed the week-long intensive workshop. I learnt ways that empower and inspire me. It made me feel connected culturally. The most valuable part was connecting again, making new friends and gaining a lot of new knowledge. I believe that this workshop will help me in the future to do more professional development to help myself and others in their healing journey.

If you have an upcoming event or good news

story that you would like included for the June

2020 edition please email sewb@qaihc.com.au

news

Site Visits have commenced for 2021! QAIHC SEWB WDSU Regional Coordinators will be in contact to organise site visits out to your organisation very soon! Watch this space for updates from the Regional Coordinators on their travels. Have a yarn to them about your interests in workshops, training, what your SEWB/AOD do with your community. We want to hear from you!

In January SEWB Regional Coordinator Melissa Riddiford travelled about in the South West—keep an eye out for the next newsletter to hear about the awesome work and programs she learned about!

Your QAIHC SEWB WDSU Regional Coordinators:

SEWB WDSU

Melissa Riddiford0409 361 696 melissa.riddiford@qaihc.com.au

Christopher Cole0418 982 095 christopher.cole@qaihc.com.au

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